Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Taliban’s deputy prime minister, has called on the United Nations to help create job opportunities and provide shelter for returning migrants during a meeting with Fatima Rabab, head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

Hamdullah Fitrat, the Taliban’s deputy spokesperson, said on Monday, November 9, that the meeting was held on Sunday evening. Hanafi said that more than eight million migrants have returned to Afghanistan in recent years.

Hanafi called on relevant organizations to cooperate in protecting the rights of returnees, creating employment opportunities and providing shelter for the migrants.

Meanwhile, Fatima Rabab described addressing migrants’ challenges and managing their return as major challenges facing Afghanistan. She said the United Nations is working to expand coordination in providing assistance and creating employment opportunities.

The request comes as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that 1.29 million migrants returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan during the first nine months of this year alone.

A lack of employment, shelter, clean drinking water and basic services has been identified as among the main challenges facing returnees.